According to the Municipality of Amsterdam the large number of coffeeshops in the center of town create an infrastructure that encourages criminality. The City refers to such establishments as ‘crimogene‘ — a term used to describe functions that encourage ‘promotion or advancement of — or susceptibility to — criminality.’

The closures are part of the Coalition Project 1012, designed to spruce up downtown Amsterdam by — among other things — breaking the influence of organized crime. »

Recently Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen saw himself ‘forced’ to close 43 of its 228 coffeeshops — licensed establishments where marijuana can legally be bought and used — by the end of 2011.

In doing so, Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen “reluctantly” follows up a federal government directive to establish ‘distance criteria‘ between schools and coffeeshops.

However, after both Amsterdam locals and city leaders angry about that approach, Cohen has promised to look for alternatives. »

The City of Amsterdam has announced it will close 43 of its 228 coffeeshops because they are located too close to schools.

In doing so, Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen “reluctantly” follows up a federal government directive to establish ‘distance criteria’ between schools and coffeeshops. »

A Dutch criminologist predicts that two years from now, all coffeeshops in the Netherlands will have closed.

The coffeeshops — establishments where cannabis and other soft drugs can be legally bought and used — are under fire for various reasons, ranging from the nuisance created by tens of thousands of drug tourists, to ties to criminal organizations.

The mayors of some municipalities are closing the coffeeshops, while those of others towns — Amsterdam included — speak out in support of the current approach. »

Local pot smokers, who usually cut joints with tobacco, and owners of the “coffee shops” where they are allowed to light up will have to change their habits when the nation implements the indoor tobacco ban. Puffing a pure marijuana cigarette in public will still be permitted; smoking one with tobacco will merit coffee shop owners a 300-euro ($466) fine for the first offense and 2,400 euros for a fourth. »

On July 1, 2008, a smoking ban will come into effect in all horeca (hotel, restaurant, and catering) businesses in the Netherlands. Will the smoking ban make it illegal to light up in an Amsterdam coffee shop? Yes and no. Among other things, it depends on what you want to smoke. Read on. You may be surprised. »

Amsterdam’s famed coffee shops are turning to free-range eggs for their hashish “spacecakes” to reduce the suffering of chickens. »

The price of Dutch Cannabis has risen by 20 percent over the past year. »

The city cites their proximity to schools and the increase in use of soft drugs amongst underaged school children as the main reasons behind closing 27 of its 62 coffeeshops. »

As a result of official policy, Amsterdam — like the rest of the Netherlands — counts a dwindling number of coffeeshops. But will the city soon be forced to close all but 16 of the popular establishments? »

A coffeeshop in Amsterdam. A joint. A pair of well-shaped legs. Here’s what happened. »

Amsterdam’s rulers ask government to legalize hash cafes. »

Amsterdam coffeeshop De Tweede Kamer »

Things to know about Amsterdam’s Coffeeshops »

Coffeeshops and coffeehouses in Amsterdam »